Veterans' Day 2017 - Remember

Happy Veterans Day to one and all, especially the men and women who served our country to keep our freedoms and protect us from some of the terrors we watch on the news each day. We appreciate you!

For the past few years, my hubby, his brother, and some of their friends get together to remember. Most of them served and others couldn't or didn't but on this day, they take days off and make time to get together.

A couple years ago they invited me to join them for their dinner outing (did I mention they start with breakfast and make the rounds in two counties for their free donuts, sandwiches, and dinners?) It was a great evening of laughter and war stories.

To listen to them share and laugh I often think about the stories they do not tell...the real life instances of horror, tough choices, and death they witnesses but were trained not to share. It's the silent stories that remind me of why we honor our Veterans 24/7/365, not just in November. 

I'm thankful so many places offer Veterans discounts and goodies to spoil our vets yet I wish they would do this throughout the year instead of waiting because these men and women, and their families, didn't only serve one day a year. Some of them served decades and even if they only served a couple years, they witnessed things we, the protected and free in the United States, will most likely not witness because of the brave acts of our Veterans and current military.

When you see a Vet standing in line at the grocery store, pumping their gas, or getting a doughnut...take a moment and thank them for their service. These five words will encourage them more than you might know.

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Thank you to all who served
and to the families who waited
and prayed while they served...
Happy Veterans Day!